Big Island Police have opened a murder investigation after a body was found in waters off Kalapana on Tuesday.

An autopsy conducted on Wednesday determined that the female victim died of strangulation and that the manner of death was homicide.

Authorities have not yet identified the body.

The victim is described as a Caucasian woman, possibly in her late 20s or early 30s, about 5 feet 4 inches tall to 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slim build, short brown hair and a tattoo of “Veritas” on her lower back.

The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the victim or this case is asked to call Detective Robert Almeida at (808) 961-2386 or email: ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us.